Office of Governmental Affairs

Welcome to the Office of Governmental Affairs at the University of North Florida. The office serves as the principle liaison between UNF and federal, state and local governmental offices and legislative bodies. The office is responsible for development and implementation of strategies and programs to attain public funding goals, and to foster mutually supportive, on-going relationships with elected officials, executive branch leaders, other education institutions as well as UNF’s public and private partners.

The Office of Governmental Affairs works to advance the interests of UNF’s nearly 16,000 students, 75,000 alumni and 1,700 faculty and staff by seeking public support for the University’s teaching, research and service missions. Additionally, the office strives to keep the greater UNF community apprised of important legislative, governance and policy issues that specifically impact UNF or public higher education in general. In this regard, we appreciate your comments concerning information and resources that you would find helpful on this site.

Governmental Affairs Staff

Vice President for Governmental Affairs and an Associate General Counsel

A Jacksonville native and graduate of the University of Florida, she received her law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1985. She was a senior associate with the Jacksonville law firm of Brant, Moore, Sapp, Macdonald & Wells prior to joining UNF as associate general counsel in 1994. In January 1998, Ms. Owen was appointed to serve as UNF’s lobbyist.

Director for Governmental Affairs

Almunus of University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science Communication and Public Relations, with a minor in Political Science. During his time at UNF he authored the official University Creed. In 2011, he managed JAX Chamber’s legislative affairs portfolio and JAXBiz PAC before moving to Washington D.C. to work for Congressman Ander Crenshaw in 2013. Following his time in Washington, Chris worked for Operation New Hope as their Business Development Manager. In August 2015, Mr. Warren returned to serve his Alma Mater.